“As I had already declared yesterday – and in concert with the Prime Minister – I briefed the Ministers of Defence of NATO member – states on the continued illegal detention of the Greek military men for 99 days.

I asked from my Turkish counterpart, before the Ministers’ Council and the General Secretary, to clarify and explain, to answer, regarding the meaning of the statement of the Vice President of the Turkish Government that they will put in a “package” the 8 officers who have requested asylum from Greece and whom the court released due to the passing of the 18-month period and if he meant that they will proceed in actions violating our country’s national sovereignty, a country which is an ally within NATO.

I asked him to clarify before the Ministers, if he supports, ascertains or not the statement of the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister.

Turkey spoke about irrelevant things, as usual. Its answer about the two Greek officers illegally detained and without a trial or charges, is that it continues to examine the digital data currently at its disposal.

I reverted to the subject, saying that Greece requires an answer before the NATO Ministers of Defence and the General Secretary. Turkey must state if it is willing to violate the principles of the NATO agreement and of the international law against a foreign but allied country within NATO. We have yet to receive an answer.

So it is clear that this kind of bravado in view of the Turkish elections and this kind of statements are made for internal consumption. However, Turkey must understand that it cannot on one hand continue on the same course and on the other hand, when it comes to Brussels to act as if it is a good ally.

There is a cost regarding the violation of international law and the treaties and this cost will burden Turkey. Greece is a country which respects international law, wishes for good neighbouring relations, aims to good relations, but will not back down in the face of such challenges, which do not constitute a challenge just against our country but also against all the allied countries.

Such a challenge was the statement made by Mr. Cavusoglu pertaining to the unilateral – as he stated today – annulment of the agreement for the issue of the refugees.

Regarding this issue I briefed the Ministers of Defence of the European Union from countries which are also NATO member – states”.